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Blue Cross & Blue Shield of MississippiAll Plans · Coverage · Medical Policy · Oncology, Dermatology, PathologyMedium impact

Gene Expression Profiling for Cutaneous Melanoma

Effective date
Not stated in the notice
Identified
Jun 20, 2026

Summary

Gene expression testing is considered investigational for suspicious pigmented lesions, including the Pigmented Lesion Assay, and for melanocytic lesions with indeterminate histopathologic features, including the myPath Melanoma test. For cutaneous melanoma, gene expression testing is considered investigational for all indications for DecisionDx-Melanoma and is considered investigational for the Merlin test. On 10/13/2026, the policy description was updated regarding tests, and an investigational statement was added for the Merlin test.

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What to do

Action · 3 steps
01Billing team: Do not treat gene expression testing for cutaneous melanoma, including the Merlin test, as medically necessary, because the policy states that it is investigational.
02The policy defines investigative technology as not considered medically necessary.
03Check the codes in the policy's Investigational Codes table, which include CPT 0089U, 0090U, 0314U, 0387U, 0578U, 81529, 81479, 81599 and 84999, against the tests being billed.

Codes mentioned

81479815298159984999

Original notice

Gene Expression Profiling for Cutaneous Melanoma
bcbsms.com · Always check the source before changing claims.
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Related policy hubs

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi policiesOncologyDermatologyPathologyCode 81479Code 81529Code 81599Code 84999

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